Toronto, ON: The Canadian Taxpayers Federation is looking forward to relief at the gas pump for Ontario drivers in the next budget as Ontario Premier Doug Ford recommitted to his election promise to reduce the provincial gas excise tax by 5.7 cents per litre.

“With Ontarians now facing the highest gas prices in the history of the province, taxpayers desperately need relief,” said Jay Goldberg, the CTF’s Interim Ontario Director. “After three years of waiting, it’s time for the government to act.

“Ford’s recommitment to his election promise to cut the provincial gas tax sets a clear expectation that drivers can bank on relief in the next provincial budget.”

During a press conference today, reporters asked about fuel taxes:

“You’ve committed to your 10-cent promise for gas prices – does that mean you’ll still cut the provincial fuel tax even if the federal doesn’t cut its tax?”

In response, Ford clearly recommitted to the gas-tax relief promise.

“I will commit to the promises,” said Ford. “Promises made, promises kept.”

In order to keep that promise, Ford will need to include gas tax relief in Ontario’s spring budget.

Ontarians currently pay 48 cents in taxes on every litre of gas they purchase at the pumps, including 14.3 cents of provincial excise taxes.

During the 2018 Ontario provincial election campaign, Ford promised to reduce the provincial gas excise tax by 5.7 cents per litre.